This rules come from the Swiss League. Unfortunately, Flag Football has many different leagues, playing under many different rules... The rules below are most likely the official ones for the Swiis Federation.

If you have any question, please send us an  E-mail.

1

General

u

A coin toss determines the first possession.

u

There are NO kickoffs, NO punts and NO field goals.

u

The offense takes possession of the ball at its 5-yard line and has 4 plays to cross midfield.

Once a team crosses midfield, it has 4 plays to score a touchdown. If the offense fails to

score, the ball changes possession and the other team takes over at its own 5-yard line.

u

If the offense fails to cross midfield, possession of the ball changes and the other team

starts its drive from its 5-yard line.

u

All possession changes, except interceptions, start on the offense's 5-yard line.

u

Teams change sides after 20 minutes, but possession does not change.

u

Can be played 5 vs. 5, or 4vs. 4… 5vs. 5 is the recommended way.

2

Timing/OT

u

Games are played to 40 minutes of running time (No stoppage).

u

If the score is tied after 40 min. teams move into overtime. The first team to score wins.

u

Each time the ball is spotted, the offense has 30 seconds to snap the ball. Teams will

receive one warning before a delay-of-game penalty is enforced.

u

Each team has one 60-second time out and one 30-second time out per half.

u

Officials can stop the clock at their discretion.

3

Scoring

u

Touchdown:

6 Points

u

Extra Point:

1 Point (played from 5-yard line)

2 Points (played from 12-yard line)

u

Safety:

2 Points

4

Running

u

The Quarterback cannot run with the ball.

u

Only direct handoffs behind the line of scrimmage are permitted.

Offenses may use multiple handoffs.

u

Absolutely NO laterals, or pitches of ANY kind.

u

"No running zones", located 5 yards from each end zones and 5 yards on either side of

midfield, are designed to avoid short-yardage, power-running situations.

u

The player who takes the handoff can throw the ball from behind the line of scrimmage.

u

Once the ball has been handed off, all defensive players are eligible to rush.

u

Spinning is allowed, but players cannot leave their feet to avoid a defensive player (No diving).

u

The ball is spotted where the ball carrier's FEET are when the flag is pulled, NOT where

the ball is.

u

No blocking is allowed.

5

Receiving

u

All players are eligible to receive passes (including the QB if the ball has been handed off

behind the line of scrimmage).

u

As in the NFL, only one player is allowed in motion at a time.

u

A player must have at least one foot inbound when making a reception.

6

Passing

u

All passes must be forward and received beyond the line of scrimmage.

u

Shovel passes are allowed but must be received beyond the line of scrimmage.

u

The QB has a seven-second "pass clock". If a pass is not thrown within the 7 seconds,

the play is dead, with a loss of down. Once the ball is handed off, the seven-second rule

no longer is in effect.

u

Interceptions change the ball possession at the point of interception and may be returned.

Interceptions are the only changes of possession that do not start on the 5-yard line.

7

Dead Balls

u

The ball must be snapped between the legs, not off to one side, to start play. Shotgun

formation is allowed.

u

Substitutions may be made only on any "dead" ball.

u

Play is ruled "dead" when:

-Ball carrier flag is pulled.

-Ball carrier steps out of bounds.

-Ball carrier's knee touches the ground.

-Ball carrier's flag falls off.

-Ball hits the ground.

-Touchdown or safety is scored.

Note: there are no fumbles. The ball is spotted where the ball hits the ground.

8

Rushing the QB

u

All players who rush the passer must be a minimum of SEVEN yards from the line of

scrimmage when the ball is snapped. Any number of players can rush the QB. Players

not rushing may defend on the line of scrimmage.

u

Once the ball is handed off, the seven-yard rule is no longer in effect and all defenders may

go behind the line of scrimmage.

u

Remember: No blocking or tackling is allowed.

9

Penalties

Defense:

u

Offside

5 yards and automatic 1st down

u

Interference

10 yards and automatic 1st down

u

Illegal contact (Hold, block)

10 yards and automatic 1st down

u

Illegal flag pull (before receiver has ball)

10 yards and automatic 1st down

u

Illegal rushing (Inside 7-yard marker)

10 yards and automatic 1st down

Offense:

u

Illegal motion (false start, motion…)

5 yards and loss of down

u

Illegal forward pass (received behind line)

5 yards and loss of down

u

Offensive pass interference

10 yards and loss of down

u

Delay of game

10 yards and loss of down

u

Flag guarding

10 yards and loss of down

u

All penalties will be assessed from the line of scrimmage.

u

Games cannot end on a defensive penalty, unless the offense declines it.

u

Tackling, elbowing, cheap shots, unsportsmanlike conduct: player will be ejected.

u

Trash talking is illegal. If it occurs, the referee will give one warning. If it continues, the player(s)

will be ejected from the game.

10

Attire

u

Cleats are allowed, except for metal spikes. Inspection can be made.